The GSI window is closed — now it's about optimizing what you have
Past residency, a new individual policy goes through full medical underwriting instead of a guaranteed-issue program. The job shifts from 'lock something in' to reviewing your employer's group LTD for gaps, layering in individual coverage where it's thin, and making sure a long claim keeps pace with inflation.
Rider worth prioritizing
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
Protects a long claim from inflation — a fixed benefit set today can lose meaningful real value by the time a claim 15-20 years out actually needs it.
Illustrative premium with a COLA rider added
$399–$1197/mo
Uses the average sourced median income across our 6 tracked specialties, with $5,000/mo group LTD and a COLA rider priced in.
Carriers compared
5
Guardian, Principal, MassMutual, The Standard, Ameritas — see the full comparison.
Guides by specialty
See your specific numbers
Pre-filled based on what's typical for this situation — adjust anything before you rely on it.
Open my calculator →